Red Cross Lifeguarding Written Exam exam-day guide
Red Cross Lifeguarding Written Exam · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the same name-bearing ID you registered with; confirm accepted forms with the provider, since requirements vary by site.
Printed or digital course confirmation
Have your registration confirmation and any prerequisite certificates (e.g., prior lifeguarding or CPR card) accessible, in case the instructor asks to verify eligibility.
Swimsuit and towel
You will be in the water for skills and endurance testing. Bring a suit you can swim and tread water in comfortably, plus a towel and a change of clothes.
Goggles and swim cap (optional)
Goggles are often allowed for the swim portion but may be restricted or removed for some rescue skills; ask the instructor before the test. Mark as uncertain: confirm with the provider.
Whistle and hip pack if issued
If your course issued a rescue tube, whistle, or hip pack, bring them. If equipment is provided on site, arrive early to claim and inspect it.
Water bottle and light snack
The practical day is long and physical. Hydration and a quick source of energy help between skill stations.
Review the skill sheets and CPR/AED sequences
Study the rescue, spinal-motion-restriction, and CPR/AED skill sequences the night before so you can perform them in order without prompting.
Practice the prerequisite swim and tread
Be able to complete the required continuous swim and tread water without stopping; confirm the exact distance and time standard with the provider.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before the start time to check in, change, and warm up.
Know the facility and parking
Confirm the pool location, entrance, and parking in advance so a wrong turn doesn't cost you your warm-up.
Rest and fuel the day before
Prioritize sleep and avoid heavy exertion or alcohol in the 24 hours before the test.
Bring any required paperwork or waivers
Complete and bring any consent, medical, or liability forms the provider sent; confirm what is required. Mark as uncertain: confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read the skill sheets and scoring criteria. Practice the full rescue sequence and CPR/AED flow out loud or with a partner. Confirm the start time, location, and what to bring with the provider.
Do a light swim and tread session to confirm your endurance; do not exhaust yourself. Check that your suit, goggles, and towel are clean and packed.
Lay out ID, confirmation, suit, towel, water, and snack. Get a full night's sleep. Avoid alcohol and strenuous activity. Reconfirm the schedule.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate, arrive 15-30 minutes early, check in, change, and warm up in the water if permitted.
Pace yourself on the continuous swim and tread; breathe steadily and don't sprint the start. Confirm the exact standard with the instructor before you begin.
Listen to the scenario, state your actions clearly, and perform each skill in sequence. If you make an error, correct it calmly and continue rather than stopping.
Follow the current sequence you were taught: check response and breathing, call for help, begin compressions, and apply the AED as directed. Say your steps aloud if the instructor expects it.
Ask the instructor how and when results and certification are issued, and confirm any remediation or retest policy.
Rules to check
Bring and present valid photo ID matching your registration; confirm accepted forms with the provider.
Follow all facility and instructor safety rules, including pool rules, whistle signals, and entry/exit procedures.
Perform only the skills and sequences as taught in your course; do not improvise unsafe variations.
Breaks between skill stations are typically at the instructor's discretion; ask before leaving the pool deck or the testing area.
Electronic devices may be restricted during testing; confirm the provider's policy and silence your phone.
Scoring is based on the provider's published skill criteria; ask the instructor to clarify any criterion you don't understand before you perform.
If you are injured or unwell, tell the instructor immediately rather than pushing through a skill.
Retest and remediation policies vary by provider; confirm them with your instructor rather than assuming a same-day retake.